“It’ll be like playing a video game”: Elon Musk predicts AI and robotics could make work optional and money less valuable within 20 years

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With generative AI becoming increasingly common in workplaces, there’s been much discussion about the future of work. Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, has even suggested that this technology could eventually take over many jobs currently done by people.

At the recent U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum in Washington, D.C., Tesla CEO and billionaire Elon Musk discussed his views on how technology will develop and what that might mean for future employment.

According to Fortune, the executive predicts that technology could eliminate the need for work and money within the next two decades.

I believe work will eventually become a choice, similar to hobbies like sports or gaming. If you want to earn money, it will be like choosing to buy groceries or grow your own. Growing your own is more effort, but some people enjoy the process, and the same will be true for work – some will choose it because they find it fulfilling.

As an analyst, I’m watching the increasing convergence of AI and robotics with great interest. My assessment is that these technologies will become deeply embedded in how businesses operate, significantly boosting productivity and efficiency. Ultimately, this could reach a point where human labor becomes less essential – even optional – in many workflows.

If a recent prediction comes true, young people entering the workforce could face significant challenges. Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, believes AI could eliminate as many as half of the jobs typically held by those just starting their careers, potentially leaving Gen Z without work opportunities.

Musk believes a future with advanced AI won’t cause problems, because people won’t need to work for money anymore – work will become optional. This idea echoes the science fiction series ‘Culture’ by Iain M. Banks, which depicts a world where superintelligent AI eliminates the need for traditional jobs.

According to the billionaire:

Those books imagine a world without money, which is a fascinating idea. I think, as AI and robots get better and better, money might eventually become unnecessary.

Last year, the executive proposed a government-funded program to provide a standard income to all citizens, covering their essential living expenses.

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2025-11-24 16:09